An improbable post-surgery trauma that occurred a month and a half ago has a local man’s family straining for funds in wake of the expensive medical bills.

Michael Andrews, a 44-year-old Arkansas River Valley resident, suffered both a heart attack and a stroke after a routine hernia surgery at an area hospital on Dec. 27, two traumas that have left him paralyzed and on a feeding tube.

“He came out of the surgery OK,” said Craig Noteboom, Andrews’ brother-in-law. “They said he was having a little trouble breathing and a little trouble waking up. Then a couple hours later, they called me and said he had a major heart attack.”

Shortly after the heart attack, Andrews also suffered a stroke.

Andrews is currently at a facility in Heber Springs, where he is receiving rehabilitation. The recovery process has been slow but steady.

“He can’t speak, but he knows who we are,” Noteboom said. “He’s standing up. He’s making a slow progression. He’s still in really bad shape. We’re hoping for the best, but it’s a really slow progress.”

The cost of maintaining care for Andrews has begun to take its toll, both emotionally and financially. Craig and his wife Dana, who is Andrews’ sister, have had to live in Heber Springs while driving to work in Russellville, spending hundreds of dollars a week in gas. While Andrews has Medicaid and Medicare, the two don’t cover costs such as a CNA — a certified nursing assistant who cares for Andrews, emptying his catheter and helping feed him, among other duties.

“I’ve sold some guns,” Noteboom said. “We have a business too, but this is a tremendous amount of money to keep him going. Being a 44-year-old, he still has a real good chance of having a somewhat normal life.

“We’re looking for donations,” he continued. “I know the economy’s bad and everyone’s tight money-wise right now, but anything we can get helps.”

A bank account has been set up with Arvest for the purpose of donations under the name Michael Andrews. People interested in donating can go to any Arvest branch in Arkansas. For questions, contact Melissa Andrews at (479) 967-9100.